Apparatus and method for forming a fiber optic faceplate

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for forming a fiber optic faceplate by winding an optical fiber strand about a mandrel that is outfitted with pairs of input and output spacing guides for providing proper fiber-to-fiber spacing. Spacing is maintained using input and output edge spacers to form a ribbon structure having optical fiber segments that run from an input edge to an output edge. The fiber optic faceplate can then be fabricated by stacking the ribbon structures.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to fabrication of fiber optic faceplates for use in imaging systems and more particularly relates to an apparatus and method for forming a fiber optic faceplate.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One advantage of electronic display systems is the capability to display an image in a variety of formats and sizes. There is particular interest in providing large scale displays, visible to thousands of viewers over considerable distance, such as would be useful for entertainment and advertising. One known method for providing large scale electronic displays is tiling, in which a matrix of smaller displays are linked together to form a larger display surface.

Image-forming devices such as LCDs, matrixed LEDs, Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs), and PLEDs provide a two dimensional image in pixel form, with pixels familiarly arranged in rows and columns. A recognized problem for displays using these components relates to inherent dimensional limitations of the electronic image-forming components themselves. Size and packaging requirements for these devices constrain their use in large-scale display applications, requiring special methods and techniques for image enlargement and tiling.

It has been recognized that optical fibers afford one means for enlarging an electronically generated image in order to display the image in a larger format, such as for tiling applications. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,195,016 issued Feb. 27, 2001 to Shankle et al. discloses an enlarged display using images provided from conventional transparencies, visibly enlarged by means of fiber optic light guides, each fiber painstakingly routed from the image forming device to a display panel. Similarly U.S. Pat. No. 6,418,254 B1 issued Jul. 9, 2002 to Shikata et al., discloses a fiber optic display coupled with an image projector. U.S. Pat. No. 6,304,703 B1 issued Oct. 16, 2001 to Lowry, discloses a tiling implementation using bundles of optical fibers routed from image-forming components to a display apparatus.

As an alternative to routing individual fibers, symmetrically fixed groupings of optical fibers are preferred. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,465,315 issued Nov. 7, 1995 to Sakai et al. discloses a tiled display employing LCD devices, with images tiled on a display surface using a fiber optic faceplate. Fiber optic faceplates have also been disclosed for use in a number of other applications, such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,572,034 issued Nov. 5, 1996 to Karellas which discloses tiling using fiber optic faceplates in an X-ray imaging apparatus and U.S. Pat. No. 5,615,294 issued Mar. 25, 1997 to Castonguay which discloses use of a tapered fiber optic faceplate in light-sensing instrumentation.

Fiber optic faceplates that are commercially available are well suited for many types of image-sensing and instrumentation purposes. However, the overall requirements for using fiber optic faceplates for electronic image display are more demanding, particularly when used with LCD, LED, OLED, or PLED devices. In such a case, it is important to have precise positioning of optical fibers at the input and output sides of a fiber optic faceplate. That is, each pixel at the image-forming device has a corresponding fiber light guide within the fiber optic faceplate that directs light from that pixel to the output display surface. This requirement necessitates custom design of a fiber optic faceplate for the geometry of the image forming device itself (such as for an OLED, for example) and for the geometry of the display surface. It can be appreciated that tiling arrangements introduce even more complexity into the faceplate fabrication problem. As a result, fiber optic faceplates suitable for electronic image display continue to be costly and difficult to fabricate. Solutions for fiber optic faceplate fabrication, such as those disclosed in PCT International Application WO 02/039155 A3 by Cryan et al., published May 16, 2002, can be highly dependent on accurate dimensions of the optical fiber or of interstitial fillers used to provide a precise spacing between fibers.

One prior art approach for providing accurate positioning of optical fibers in a fiber bundle is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,989,578 issued Nov. 2, 1976 to Hashimoto, hereinafter termed the '578 patent. In the method of the '578 patent, directed to the manufacture of fiberscope apparatus, optical fiber is wound around a mandrel and aligned in guide frames to obtain precise positioning. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,812 issued Aug. 17, 1999 to Hilton, Sr., hereinafter termed the '812 patent, a multilayer fiber optic bundle is fabricated by winding a fiber optic strand around a drum, within a plastic channel. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,033,731 issued May 8, 1962 to Cole, hereinafter termed the '731 patent, fiber is wound about a mandrel to form rows, which can then be combined to build up a fiber structure. Thus, it can be seen that a drum or mandrel, properly dimensioned, can be a suitable apparatus for positional arrangement of optical fibers in a bundle. However, neither the '578, '812, nor '731 patents provide a suitable solution for optical fiber faceplate fabrication. The methods used in the above-mentioned patents position fibers adjacently, so that the dimensions of the fiber itself determine center-to-center spacing of the fiber bundle. However, such methods are highly dependent on the uniformity of fiber dimensions. In actual practice, however, the actual dimensions of optical fiber can vary widely, even for the same type of fiber. Additional tolerance error is due to winding tension differences as the fiber strands are wound about the drum. More significantly, however, the methods of the '578, '812, and '731 patents do not provide a way to vary the center-to-center spacings between fibers, both at input and at output ends of the fiber bundle. As is noted earlier, the capability for varying the center-to-center spacing between fibers, lacking with the methods of the 578, '812, and '731 patents, is of paramount importance for display imaging applications.

In an attempt to meet the requirements for variable center-to-center spacing, U.S. Pat. No. 5,204,927 issued to Chin et al., hereinafter termed the '927 patent, discloses the use of pairs of axially disposed spacer bars. The use of spacer bars allows a fiber optic bundle to have different fiber spacing at input and output ends. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,376,201 issued Dec. 27, 1994 to Kingstone, hereinafter termed the '201 patent, discloses the use of spacer guides in a rotating drum application for output fiber spacing, where the output spacer guides, added as each layer of fiber is formed, become part of the completed fiber bundle assembly.

While the '927 and '201 disclosures suggest helpful fabrication techniques for fiber optic couplers, there is felt to be considerable room for improvement. In particular, neither the '927 nor the '201 disclosure are well suited to the requirements for accurate, high-speed, and inexpensive fabrication of fiber optic faceplates used for electronic display imaging. With respect to both '927 and '201 disclosures, curvature effects of the rotating drum constrain the attainable size of a fiber optic faceplate built up in this way. Continuous feeding of optical fiber is necessary, which suggests a substantial amount of waste with the '927 and '201 methods. The method of the '201 disclosure relies heavily on precision manufacture of grooved spacer components, incorporated into the body of the fiber faceplate itself, used to define the spacing of each output row and to set the spacing between rows. Moreover, new spacers are required to be accurately positioned as each row of fibers is wound. This adds cost and complexity to the fabrication process.

Overall, it can be seen that there is a need for improved methods for fabrication of fiber optic faceplates, particularly for electronic imaging applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides improved apparatus and methods for fabrication of fiber optic faceplates. With this object in mind, the present apparatus provides an apparatus for forming a fiber optic faceplate comprising: (a) a mandrel for spirally winding optical fiber, in a single strand, from a fiber supply over a length dimension parallel to the axis of the mandrel, said mandrel having at least one pair of axially disposed spacing guides of at least said length dimension, wherein each said pair of spacing guides comprises: (i) an input spacing guide for providing an input spacing between wound fibers; (ii) an output spacing guide for providing an output spacing between wound fibers; said input spacing guide separated from said output spacing guide along the circumference of said mandrel by a width dimension; (b) a ribbon forming apparatus for forming, along the axial direction, a ribbon structure having a ribbon length determined by said length dimension and a ribbon width determined by said width dimension, the ribbon structure comprising: (i) an input edge spacer, running in said axial direction, for fixing said input spacing to define an input edge of said ribbon structure; (ii) an output edge spacer, running in said axial direction, for fixing said output spacing to define an output edge of said ribbon structure, such that said input edge and said output edge define said ribbon width dimension; said ribbon structure comprising thereby a single row of optical fibers wherein each optical fiber has a fixed input position along said input edge and a fixed output position along said output edge.

From yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method for forming an optical fiber faceplate comprising the steps of: (a) forming a plurality of ribbon structures by: (i) rotating a mandrel about a lateral axis, said mandrel having, for forming each ribbon structure, one pair of circumferentially spaced input and output guides, each said input guide having a plurality of input spacers, each said output guide having a plurality of output spacers; (ii) winding an elongated optical fiber strand from a strand source onto said mandrel and over said input guide to provide, between adjacent fibers, an input spacing and over said output guide to provide, between adjacent fibers, an output spacing; (iii) for each ribbon structure, along said lateral axis, affixing an input edge spacer for maintaining said input spacing and defining an input edge; (iv) for each ribbon structure, along said lateral axis, affixing an output edge spacer for maintaining said output spacing and defining an output edge; and (b) forming a stack of said plurality of said ribbon structures having said input edges mutually aligned and said output edges mutually aligned.

It is a feature of the present invention that it fabricates and employs an innovative ribbon structure that serves as a basic building-block for assembling a fiber optic faceplate of the desired dimensions, shape, and optical properties.

It is an advantage of the present invention that it is easily adaptable for fabrication of a wide range of fiber-optic faceplate formats and shapes, at low cost relative to conventional methods.

It is a further advantage of the present invention that it relaxes dimensional constraints on fiber optic strands themselves for faceplate fabrication. By employing a mandrel of sufficient length, the apparatus of the present invention also allows a substantial increase in faceplate length over existing methods. At the same time, the present invention allows fabrication of faceplates having thinner depths than are currently available using conventional methods.

It is yet a further advantage of the present invention that it affords considerable flexibility for providing a tapered fiber faceplate arrangement, allowing variable fiber-to-fiber spacing for both sides of a fiber faceplate.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings wherein there is shown and described an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter of the present invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an apparatus for fiber faceplate fabrication according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mandrel used for optical fiber winding;

FIGS. 3 a and 3 b are side views of spacing guides along the mandrel for the output and input edges respectively of a fiber ribbon structure made according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing auxiliary components used in the apparatus for fiber faceplate fabrication;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a small portion of the ribbon structure of a component of a fiber faceplate made according to the present invention;

FIGS. 6 a, 6 b, 6 c, and 6 d show, from a side view, the progression of steps used for forming a plurality of ribbon structures into a fiber optic faceplate;

FIGS. 7 a and 7 b show exploded and assembled views respectively for fiber optic fabrication using the method of the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective output side view of a small segment of a fiber optic faceplate fabricated using the methods of the present invention;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective input side view of a small segment of a fiber optic faceplate fabricated using the methods of the present invention;

FIG. 10 shows an arrangement with multiple parallel ribbon structures as fabricated using the apparatus of the present invention;

FIGS. 11 a and 11 b show perspective and side views, respectively, of fiber optic faceplate fabrication from ribbon structures of the present invention;

FIG. 12 shows a ribbon structure made according to the present invention;

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of fiber optic faceplate fabrication using individual folded ribbon structures fabricated using the apparatus and methods of the present invention;

FIGS. 14 a and 14 b show perspective and plane views, respectively, of a tiled display using fiber optic faceplates fabricated using the methods and apparatus of the present invention; and

FIG. 15 shows how a ribbon structure can be adapted to provide a curvature for fiber optic faceplate fabrication.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present description is directed in particular to elements forming part of, or cooperating more directly with, apparatus in accordance with the invention. It is to be understood that elements not specifically shown or described may take various forms well known to those skilled in the art.

In order to understand the particular apparatus and methods applied using the present invention for fabricating fiber optic faceplates, it is most instructive to look first at the basic structural building block fabricated using the apparatus of the present invention and used for assembling the fiber optic faceplate. Referring to FIG. 12, there is shown a portion of a ribbon structure 40 which serves as a novel elemental component for fiber optic faceplate fabrication. Ribbon structure 40 comprises an array of optical fiber segments 50, generally disposed parallel to each other, for guiding light from an input edge 46, over width W, to an output edge 48. Fiber segments 50 on input edge 46 have an input edge fiber-to-fiber spacing I. An input edge spacer 42 maintains the fixed input edge fiber-to-fiber spacing I and also determines an input edge distance between ribbon structures 40 when stacked, as is described subsequently. Fiber segments 50 may also be grouped to form a fiber group 32; with such an arrangement, there would be an input edge fiber group distance I_(g) between fiber groups 32 at input edge 46. Similarly, fiber segments 50 on output edge 48 have an output edge fiber-to-fiber spacing O. An output edge spacer 44 maintains the fixed output edge fiber-to-fiber spacing O and also determines an output edge distance between successive ribbon structures 40 when stacked against each other, as is described subsequently.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of a fiber optic faceplate forming apparatus 10 and the components used for a first phase of ribbon structure 40 fabrication. Fiber optic faceplate forming apparatus 10 comprises a fiber optic source 12 that provides an optical fiber strand 14 that is wound around a mandrel 16. The components shown in FIG. 1 cooperate to wrap optical fiber strand 14 in a generally spiral fashion about mandrel 16, rotating about an axis A to form a wound spiral 18 of the thickness of a single fiber strand 14. The wound spiral 18 is thus formed circumferentially about mandrel 16, up to some predetermined length L. Recalling FIG. 12, each ribbon structure 40 that is formed has width W and length L as shown in FIG. 1.

As is shown more clearly in FIG. 2, mandrel 16 comprises one or more ribbon forming channels 20, each ribbon forming channel 20 defined by a pair of spacing guides: an input spacing guide 22 and an output spacing guide 24. In order to form ribbon structure 40 of width W, input and output spacing guides 22 and 24 are spaced about W distance apart. In the arrangement of FIGS. 1 and 2, a particularly preferred embodiment for reasons described subsequently, input spacing guides 22 in adjacent ribbon forming channels 20 are themselves adjacent; similarly, output spacing guides 24 in adjacent ribbon forming channels 20 are adjacent, with a cut groove 34 between adjacent input and output spacing guides 22 and 24 for severing ribbon structures 40 from each other. However, other arrangements are possible.

Around the circumference of mandrel 16, ribbon forming channels 20 may all have the same width W dimension. However, it may be advantageous to increase the width W dimension by changing the relative positions of input and output spacing guides 22 and 24. Input and output spacing guides 22 and 24 may be fixed in position on mandrel 16 or may be adjustable, secured mechanically or magnetically, for example. Fiber optic source 12 is preferably moved along the direction of axis A as optical fiber strand 14 is wrapped into input and output spacing guides 22 and 24, using mechanical winding methods well known in the mechanical arts.

Referring to FIGS. 3 a and b, an enlarged cross section of a small segment of an input spacing guide 22 and an output spacing guide 24, respectively, are shown. Grooves 27 locate the fiber at the output edge of the ribbon structure 40 to have an output fiber-to-fiber spacing O. Grooves 26, which have openings which are spaced the same as grooves 27 are variably angled such that their bottoms provide input edge fiber-to-fiber spacing I less than O. To make a fiber optic face plate where the input and output fiber-to fiber spacings are the same, both the input and output spacing guides would be identical. A preferred embodiment uses machined grooves, however, alternate arrangements such as using pin mechanisms could be employed, provided that the correct input edge fiber-to-fiber spacing I or output edge fiber-to-fiber spacing O is maintained. Depending on how ribbon structures 40 are used to fabricate a fiber optic faceplate, input and output spacing guides 22 and 24 may be differently dimensioned or have different spacing between them over different parts of mandrel 16. Optional cut groove 34 may be provided between adjacently disposed input or output spacing guides 22 or 24, as shown.

Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown a perspective view of a fiber optic faceplate forming apparatus 10 and the components used for a second phase of ribbon structure 40 fabrication. Once wound spiral 18 is wound about mandrel 16, it is necessary to fix the relative input edge fiber-to-fiber spacing I and output edge fiber-to-fiber spacing O that were provided in the first phase of fabrication that was shown in FIG. 1. For this purpose, an edge spacer applicator 30 applies output edge spacer 44 atop wound spiral 18 along output edge 48 of a partially fabricated ribbon structure 40′. In a preferred embodiment, output edge spacer 44 comprises an adhesive backing, allowing it to be applied in like manner as an adhesive tape.

It must be observed that there can be a number of alternative methods for applying input and output edge spacers 42, 44. For example, it may be preferred to apply an adhesive directly to wound spiral 18, where the adhesive does not attach itself to mandrel 16 components. Other methods of fixing may use heated application of input or output edge spacers 42, 44, such as using a thermally set plastic for example. The order in which input or output edge spacers 42 or 44 are applied may also be varied, depending on the order in which ribbon structures 40 are stacked, for example. Thus, it may be best to apply input or output edge spacers 42, 44 for alternate ribbon forming channels 20 at different times, one set prior to forming wound spiral 18 and another set after wound spiral 18 is formed.

Once input and output edge spacers 42 and 44 are applied, completed ribbon structures 40 can be removed from mandrel 16. Ribbon structures 40 can be separated from each other by a number of methods for severing optical fibers, well known in the art. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, for example, a heated nichrome wire 52 is applied against mandrel 16 to separate assembled ribbon structures 40. Other methods can be used, such as removing assembled ribbon structures 40 as a complete sheet or sleeve, as is described subsequently.

Input and output edge spacers 42 and 44 could be fabricated from a number of different materials and could be tape, plastic, adhesive, or molded, for example.

FIGS. 5 through 11 illustrate how ribbon structures 40, fabricated as described hereinabove, can be combined in order to construct fiber optic faceplates. Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown, in perspective view, a small segment of ribbon structure 40, constructed of individual optical fiber segments 50 and input and output edge spacers 42 and 44.

FIGS. 6 a through 6 d show, using side views, how successive ribbon structures 40 are stacked against each other as part of optical fiber faceplate fabrication. FIG. 6 a shows a single ribbon structure 40. FIG. 6 b shows multiple ribbon structures 40 lined up symmetrically, with input and output edge spacers 42 and 44 having the proper orientation for stacking. FIG. 6 c shows how output edge 48 is assembled, with output edge spacers 44 disposed between optical fiber segments 50. FIG. 6 d shows how input edge 46, represented by a dotted line, is then formed. As suggested in FIG. 6 d, some trimming at input edge 46 may be required for maintaining flatness.

FIGS. 7 a and 7 b show, from a perspective view, a sequence in which ribbon structures 40 are stacked against each other for assembly of a fiber optic faceplate 100. In FIG. 7 a, a series of alignment slots 36 are provided for lining up adjacent ribbon structures 40. As FIG. 7 b shows, an alignment pin 38 or other locating structure can be used to fix the relative positions of adjacent ribbon structures 40.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view from an output face 104 of a segment of fiber optic faceplate 100 fabricated according to the methods of the present invention. On the input side, a cluster 54 could be useful, whereby a set of fiber segments 50 is routed to a smaller area, with gaps between clusters 54 defined by the distance I_(g) within ribbon structure 40, as was described above. As is shown in FIG. 8, output edge fiber-to-fiber spacing O is typically the same between fiber segments 50 within a ribbon structure 40 and between adjacent ribbon structures 40. Likewise, input edge fiber-to-fiber spacing I would be equal in orthogonal directions, at least within cluster 54. Input edge fiber group distance I_(g) would be maintained between clusters 54.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view from an input face 102 of a segment of fiber optic faceplate 100 fabricated according to the methods of the present invention, with one cluster 54 highlighted in a dotted box.

For forming fiber optic faceplate 100, ribbon structures 40 can be individually cut and stacked together, one ribbon structure 40 at a time. Alternately, folding methods could be used to form fiber optic faceplate 100. In one embodiment, for example, shown in the perspective view of FIG. 13, ribbon structure 40, fabricated to have a length that is several times the width dimension of the final assembled fiber faceplate 100, is folded back on itself one or more times at fold lines F to build up the rows of fiber faceplate 100 structure.

Another alternative method builds fiber faceplate 100 following a sheet-based model. Referring to FIG. 10, there is shown a segment of four individual ribbon structures 40 provided as a sheet of ribbon structures 58 upon completion of assembly on mandrel 16. At some point, ribbon structures are severed at separation lines S so that input edges 46 and output edges 48 can be aligned. As was noted above with reference to FIG. 4, this severance can be obtained by cutting means or using heat and can be performed when ribbon structures 40 are fabricated on mandrel 16. However, as is shown in FIGS. 11 a and 11 b, the method of the present invention also allows a novel way of stacking ribbon structures 40 using an accordion-fold method. FIG. 11 a shows a perspective view in which a plurality of ribbon structures 40 on a sheet of ribbon structures 58 are folded together in accordion-fold style. FIG. 11 b shows the accordion-fold method from a side view. For this method, sheet of ribbon structures 58 is folded between each pair of adjacent input edge spacers 42 and between each pair of adjacent output edge spacers 44. Individual ribbon structures 40 are thereby aligned to form an input edge 46 and an output edge 48 as shown in FIG. 11 b.

Once ribbon structures 40 are appropriately aligned so as to form input face 102 and output face 104, finishing operations can be performed. These processes provide final shaping, encasing materials, and surface finishing operations, and may also employ methods for improving the optical performance of assembled fiber optic faceplate 100.

Finishing operations may include severing of any loops 56 that remain between ribbon structures 40 as shown in FIG. 11 b, for example. Referring back to FIG. 2, cut groove 34 may be suitably dimensioned with additional width to accommodate accordion-fold methods.

Heat may be employed for shaping the ends of optical fiber segments 50. For example, heat may be applied to shape the end of each optical fiber segment 50, forming an integral lens structure for each fiber segment 50 thereby. Alternately, heat and pressure may be applied to broaden fiber diameter on one or both input and output edges 46, 48.

Any number of types of interstitial substances can be used for filling spaces between optical fiber segments 50. Interstitial materials may comprise plastics, resins, epoxies, or other suitable materials, including materials selected for specific optical properties, such as for light guiding. Black interstitial material, or interstitial material having a specific optical index could be employed to prevent unwanted effects, such as cross-talk between fiber segments 50. Fiber optic faceplate can be finished by immersion into a hardening liquid such as an epoxy, or curable polymeric material.

It must be noted that interstitial substances would be optional, since there may be uses for which a flexible optical faceplate arrangement is most advantageous. For example, there may be applications in which dithering or other mechanical movement or flexibility is useful.

One key problem in fiber optic faceplate fabrication relates to fiber alignment to individual light sources in an array or “pixel-to-pixel” alignment. This problem has not been satisfactorily solved for high-density imaging applications using the conventional fabrication methods described in the background material above. Instead, some type of workaround has been used, such as generally grouping multiple fibers for a single light source so that at least some of the fibers receive the intended light. However, such a solution does not provide pixel-to-pixel alignment and clearly constrains the resolution of the fiber optic faceplate structure.

Using the method of the present invention, the arrangement of ribbon structure 40 allows for correct pixel-to-pixel spacing within a row of light sources in an array and between rows, using input and output edge spacers 42 and 44, as described above. Alignment of individual rows of ribbon structure 40 to each other can be provided by mechanical methods, such as using the alignment slot 36/alignment pin 38 arrangement shown in FIGS. 7 a and 7 b, for example. Other alignment methods that could be used include fabrication of input or output edge spacers 42 and 44 with interlocking members. A jig or other mechanical alignment device could be employed, aligning ribbon structure 40 segments to each other using a sequence of spaced slots or other physical features. Magnets could also be employed for obtaining row-to-row alignment, with input or output edge spacers 42 and 44 using magnetic components or ferrous materials. In a particular embodiment, the input edge spacers may comprises a ferromagnetic material.

For display and printing applications, alignment of individual optical fiber segments 50 to corresponding pixels is necessary. To support alignment of complete, fabricated fiber optic faceplate 100, its composite ribbon structures 40 may be provided with mechanical features such as holes, detents, sockets, pins, and the like. Alternately, magnets and ferrous components may be built into or added onto composite ribbon structure 40.

When fabricated using the methods of the present invention, fiber optic faceplate 100 is well-suited for tiling applications. Referring to FIGS. 14 a and 14 b, there is shown a tiled display 110 that generates an image from multiple emissive display devices 60 as multiple tiles 112. In a preferred embodiment, emissive display device 60 is an OLED. Each individual emissive display device 60 provides one tile 112 of the image. As the plane view of FIG. 14 b shows, fiber optic faceplates 100 can be used to enlarge the size of the image from emissive display device 60 (shown in dashed outline in FIG. 14 b). As is represented in FIG. 14 a, pixel-to-pixel alignment can be provided, so that each fiber segment 50 directs light from a single pixel 62 on emissive display device 60 to its position on image tile 112. Fiber optic faceplates 100 can be aligned with each other using mechanical interlocks or magnets, for example. Ribbon structures 40 in adjacent image tiles 112 could be offset from the edges of their fiber optic faceplates 100, allowing interdigitation as a method for coupling adjacent image tiles 112.

The use of ribbon structures 40 allows considerable flexibility for adapting the dimensions and curvature of fiber optic faceplate 100. By changing the length of ribbon structure 40 segments, various arrangements of height and width could be obtained. Ribbon structures 40 could be wrapped in a number of different ways to adapt the shape of fiber optic faceplate 100.

Slight adaptations to input and output edge spacers 42 and 44 would allow ribbon structures 40 to be combined to provide a curvature to output face 104. Referring to FIG. 15, ribbon structure 40 is adapted for curvature with a number of slits 64 in input edge spacer 42 to yield the curvature shown. Curvature could be in either convex or concave direction. Using a combination of curvature and tiling, large display structures could be assembled.

Using the fabrication methods of the present invention, fiber optic faceplate 100 can have a number of alternate embodiments. Fiber optic faceplate 100 could be a tapered faceplate. Optical fiber segments 50 would typically have the same nominal width for most applications, however, there might be embodiments where ribbon structures 40 use optical fiber segments 50 having different radius dimensions. There may also be embodiments in which ribbon structures 40 comprise optical fiber segments 50 having different shapes, such as non-circular shapes, for example. Referring to FIG. 11 b, an auxiliary spacer 66 could be added between ribbon structures 40 in any stacking arrangement. A fitted auxiliary spacer 66 could be employed at either input edge 46 or output edge 48, such as for providing improved adhesion to optical fiber segments 50.

It is instructive to note that the terms “input” and “output” as used in this specification are relative terms and could be reversed. The sense in which these terms are used herein relates to use of fiber optic faceplate 100 as part of a display, including a tiled display, for example. Fiber optic faceplate 100 could alternately be used as part of a light-gathering instrument, in which case the input side would typically require larger fiber-to-fiber spacing to direct light to a small sensing component on the output side. The method of the present invention allows fabrication of fiber optic faceplates 100 used in either orientation, with variable spacing at opposite faces or with equal spacing if needed.

The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the scope of the invention as described above, and as noted in the appended claims, by a person of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, fiber optic faceplate components manufactured using the methods and apparatus of the present invention could be any of a range of sizes. Various methods could be applied for finishing, packaging, and tiling fiber optic faceplates that have been fabricated using the methods and apparatus of the present invention. Therefore, what is provided is an improved apparatus and method for forming a fiber optic faceplate.

PARTS LIST

-   10 fiber optic faceplate forming apparatus -   12 fiber optic source -   14 optical fiber strand -   16 mandrel -   18 wound spiral -   20 ribbon forming channel -   22 input spacing guides -   24 output spacing guides -   26 groove -   27 groove -   30 edge spacer applicator -   32 fiber group -   34 cut groove -   36 alignment slot -   38 alignment pin -   40 ribbon structure -   40′ partially fabricated ribbon structure -   42 input edge spacer -   44 output edge spacer -   46 input edge -   48 output edge -   50 optical fiber segments -   52 nichrome wire -   54 cluster -   56 loop -   58 sheet of ribbon structures -   60 emissive display device -   62 pixel -   64 slit -   66 auxiliary spacer -   100 fiber optic faceplate -   102 input face -   104 output face -   110 tiled display -   112 Image tile 

1. An apparatus for forming a fiber optic faceplate comprising: (a) a mandrel for spirally winding optical fiber, in a single strand, from a fiber supply over a length dimension parallel to the axis of the mandrel, said mandrel having at least one pair of axially disposed spacing guides of at least said length dimension, wherein each said pair of spacing guides comprises: (i) an input spacing guide for providing an input spacing between wound fibers; (ii) an output spacing guide for providing an output spacing between wound fibers; said input spacing guide separated from said output spacing guide along the circumference of said mandrel by a width dimension, and said input and output spacing guides being differentially dimensioned to provide distinct input and output spacings between wound fibers; (b) a ribbon forming apparatus for forming, along the axial direction, a ribbon structure having a ribbon length determined by said length dimension and a ribbon width determined by said width dimension, the ribbon structure comprising: (i) an input edge spacer, disposed along said axial direction, for fixing said input spacing to define an input edge of said ribbon structure; (ii) an output edge spacer, disposed along said axial direction, for fixing said output spacing to define an output edge of said ribbon structure, such that said input edge and said output edge define said ribbon width dimension; said ribbon structure comprising thereby a single row of optical fibers wherein each optical fiber has a fixed input position along said input edge and a fixed output position along said output edge.
 2. An apparatus for forming a fiber optic faceplate according to claim 1, wherein said input edge spacer comprises an adhesive.
 3. An apparatus for forming a fiber optic faceplate according to claim 1, wherein said input edgespacer comprises a plastic.
 4. An apparatus for forming a fiber optic faceplate according to claim 1, wherein said input edge spacer comprises a ferromagnetic material.
 5. An apparatus for forming a fiber optic faceplate according to claim 1, wherein said input edge spacer comprises a ferrous material.
 6. An apparatus for forming a fiber optic faceplate according to claim 1, wherein said input spacing guide comprises grooved channels.
 7. An apparatus for forming a fiber optic faceplate according to claim 1, wherein said input spacing guide comprises pins.
 8. An apparatus for forming a fiber optic faceplate according to claim 1, wherein said input spacing guide is magnetically coupled to the surface of said mandrel.
 9. An apparatus for forming a fiber optic faceplate according to claim 1, wherein said input spacing guide is mechanically coupled to the surface of said mandrel.
 10. An apparatus for forming a fiber optic faceplate according to claim 1, further comprising means for severing said ribbon structure from other wound fiber.
 11. An apparatus for forming a fiber optic faceplate according to claim 10, wherein said means for severing said ribbon structure apply heat.
 12. An apparatus for forming a fiber optic faceplate according to claim 1, wherein ends of said optical fibers extend beyond said input edge.
 13. An apparatus for forming a fiber optic faceplate according to claim 1, wherein ends of said optical fibers extend beyond said output edge.
 14. An apparatus for forming a fiber optic faceplate according to claim 1, wherein said input edge spacer comprises an alignment structure.
 15. An apparatus for forming a fiber optic faceplate according to claim 14, wherein said alignment structure is from the group consisting of a slot, a hole, a detent, a socket, and a pin.
 16. An apparatus for forming a fiber optic faceplate according to claim 1, wherein said optical fiber is circular in cross-section.
 17. An apparatus for forming a fiber optic faceplate according to claim 1, wherein said optical fiber is non-circular in cross-section.
 18. An apparatus for forming a fiber optic faceplate according to claim 1, wherein said fiber supply travels in a direction parallel to said axial direction.
 19. A method for forming an optical fiber faceplate comprising the steps of: (a) forming a plurality of ribbon structures by: (i) rotating a mandrel about a lateral axis, said mandrel having, for forming each ribbon structure, one pair of circumferentially spaced input and output guides, each said input guide having a plurality of input spacers, each said output guide having a plurality of output spacers; (ii) winding an elongated optical fiber strand from a strand source onto said mandrel and over said input guide to provide, between adjacent fibers, an input spacing and over said output guide to provide, between adjacent fibers, an output spacing, where said input and output guides are differentially dimensioned to provide distinct input and output spacings between wound fibers; (iii) for each ribbon structure, along said lateral axis, affixing an input edge spacer for maintaining said input spacing and defining an input edge; (iv) for each ribbon structure, along said lateral axis, affixing an output edge spacer for maintaining said output spacing and defining an output edge; and (b) forming a stack of said plurality of said ribbon structures having said input edges mutually aligned and said output edges mutually aligned.
 20. A method for forming an optical fiber faceplate according to claim 19, wherein the step of forming a stack of said ribbon structures comprises the step of accordion-folding adjacent said ribbon structures at seams between input edges.
 21. A method for forming an optical fiber faceplate according to claim 19, wherein the step of forming a plurality of ribbon structures further comprises the step of severing adjacent ribbon structures from each other.
 22. A method for forming an optical fiber faceplate according to claim 21, wherein the step of severing comprises the step of cutting.
 23. A method for forming an optical fiber faceplate according to claim 21, wherein the step of severing comprises the step of heating.
 24. A method for forming an optical fiber faceplate according to claim 19, wherein the step of affixing an input edge spacer comprises the step of applying an adhesive.
 25. A method for forming an optical fiber faceplate according to claim 19, wherein the step of affixing an input edge spacer comprises the step of applying an epoxy material.
 26. A method for forming an optical fiber faceplate according to claim 19, wherein the step of forming a stack further comprises the step of disposing a spacer between adjacent said ribbon structures.
 27. A method for forming an optical fiber faceplate according to claim 26, wherein said spacer determines spacing between adjacent input edges.
 28. A method for forming an optical fiber faceplate according to claim 26, wherein said spacer determines spacing between adjacent output edges.
 29. A method for forming an optical fiber faceplate according to claim 19, further comprising the step of cutting said input edge spacer and providing a curvature to said each ribbon structure.
 30. A method for forming an optical fiber faceplate according to claim 19, further comprising the step of applying heat at ends of optical fibers to form lens structures at said ends of optical fibers. 